Opukeko Ohinemuri Novr. 29/71 My dear Sir, I am pleased to have to report that the Telegraph line from Kati Kati via Hikutaia has at length been consented to by the hauhaus. Wikoka says that if any mail was sent privately by Ohinemuri that it was to be known to him only and then he would tell the bearer to go on with it and not show it to any one else. He also said the mail might shortly be allowed to go on by Hikutaia in a short time. Tukukino and Hohepa Te Rauhini told me that in six months time they expected and spoke quite confidently that peace would be restored all over this island and that the europeans and Maoris would be one in laws and everything they also state that a meeting will be held at Tokongamutu in Decm. next at which Ngapui's will attend but that the large peace making meeting will take place in March next on the Waipa at which all the tribes will attend and the Governor and pakehas will be invited. Te Hira told me we i. e. all of us must attend this large meeting and if we see any wrong evil springing up we must try and put it down and support any good that may be brought about by the meeting. Decm. 4th. I am very much pleased that the tone of the hauhaus have change considerably for the better, their allowing the Telegraph to go by Hikutaia and the East Coast is a great point gained Te Hira has told me repeatedly that Whangamata and Hikutaia were all Ohinemuri but I am very sorry we could not succeed in getting this Telegraph line through Ohinemuri itself, it would have been the means of opening the district to europeans. I tried to get the hauhaus to consent to allow the mail to be conveyed through this district till the Telegraph was finished, but they said they were not able to consent to that but they told me that after six months were passed it and everything would be allowed. Te Hira and the Moananuis son Hirawha have given back Waihi to the Ngatikoes, but at the same time told them they were not to sell it to the europeans but keep it for themselves as it was always theirs. Taraia wishes you to keep him some of the purchase money of the Manawhatu block of land he says he claims that land from belonging to the Ngatiraukawas and from conquest he having killed and eaten the people of the land, you will kindly not overlook his claim. he has been wishing for a long time back to visit Whanganui and Manawhatu to assert his just Claims. What am I do with the P. O. for Ten pounds you so kindly sent me. Trusting you are in the enjoyment of health, I am dear Sir, faithfully yours, John W. Thorp